Pant replaces K.L. Rahul as Vice-captain in Ind vs WI series

            Before the first ODI match between India and South Africa on February 6th, India’s ODI and T20 skipper Rohit Sharma will have a new deputy.

According to rumours, Rishabh Pant, Team India’s wicketkeeper and swashbuckling hitter, might be named vice-captain for the opening ODI match in Ahmedabad.

KL Rahul, the normal vice-captain, would be available only after the first ODI, according to the BCCI. Pant appears to be the natural option for vice-captaincy, with Jasprit Bumrah resting for the series and Shikhar Dhawan having been tried as a white ball captain. Pant is notable for taking over as captain of the IPL side Delhi Capitals and leading them admirably. The Capitals made the playoffs for the second year in a row, in 2020 and 2021.

It’s only a question of a match, since KL will participate in the second game. Shikhar and Rishabh might both be useful deputies. Rishabh has a lot of influence in leadership choices for reviews and field setting as a wicketkeeper. “Both of them can step in for a vice-captain if they need one”, a top BCCI official told InsideSport.

“You need to make sure the next person in line is ready. I’m not implying that Rishabh will be a good captain or that he will lead the team. However, you must consider and cultivate prospective possibilities. For the time being, KL and Rishabh are both viable choices with a sure spot in the side. Rishabh has demonstrated maturity, and KL is catching up”, official stated.